Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut Review: SEGA's Landmark Series Returns to Nintendo Switch 2

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut Review: SEGA's Landmark Series Returns to Nintendo Switch 2 After more than a decade since the franchise saw a Japan-exclusive Wii U release in 2013, SEGA’s celebrated Yakuza series—now globally recognized as Like a Dragon—has triumphantly returned to Nintendo hardware.

The previously tepid commercial response to Yakuza 1&2 HD on Wii U effectively sidelined the series from Nintendo platforms, but 2024 marked a turning point with the international debut of Yakuza Kiwami on the Switch.

With the launch of Nintendo Switch 2, SEGA and RGG Studio are reintroducing one of their most acclaimed titles to Nintendo fans, releasing Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut as a day-one title for the new system. Yakuza 0 acts as a prequel to Yakuza Kiwami, set in Japan during the high-octane bubble economy of the late 1980s.

Players alternate between the compelling stories of Kazuma Kiryu, a young yakuza framed for murder, and Goro Majima, an exiled clan member seeking redemption through managing a Cabaret Club.

Both protagonists’ journeys weave through the iconic streets of Kamurocho and Sotenbori, melding dramatic narrative arcs with stylish, real-time beat-’em-up combat. This Director’s Cut delivers notable enhancements over the original, ensuring both newcomers and series veterans find something fresh to experience.

Chief among the updates is a new English voiceover, featuring many actors from the recent Like a Dragon entries returning to their roles.

As stated in SEGA’s official materials, this addition gives players more flexibility in how they enjoy the story, while retaining the option for the beloved Japanese audio.

Director Masayoshi Yokoyama noted, in a statement, that this approach "offers the best of both worlds for long-time fans and those just discovering the series." The revised edition includes approximately thirty minutes of new cutscenes.

While these scenes contribute additional character depth and humor, their implementation introduces a handful of significant narrative retcons.

This might not impact first-time players, but series veterans may notice alterations that change the context of key story beats. Returning to classic action roots, Yakuza 0 forgoes the turn-based combat found in recent Like a Dragon games.

Both Kiryu and Majima wield three unique fighting styles, each with distinct strengths, giving players tactical choice in the heat of battle.

Charging up the "HEAT" gauge unlocks bombastic finishing moves, amplifying the game's unmistakable blend of gritty realism and over-the-top spectacle.

This dichotomy, supported by smooth 60FPS performance on Switch 2, keeps fight sequences kinetic and satisfying. Beyond its gripping story, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut brims with side content.

From intricate management subgames like Cabaret Club and Real Estate Management to classic rhythm-based karaoke and disco challenges, the game's urban environments are filled with diversions.

Hilarious and creatively written substories further reveal the protagonists’ lighter sides. A major new feature, Red Light Raid, lets players tackle waves of increasingly tough opponents, either solo with AI or cooperatively with friends.

Victories unlock new playable characters, including long-requested favorites and antagonists from throughout the franchise.

For dedicated fans, the expanded playable roster is a notable highlight. Visually, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut benefits from modest enhancements in textures and lighting, lending vibrancy to Kamurocho and Sotenbori.

SEGA’s technical polish ensures stable 60FPS gameplay, though minor NPC inconsistencies and occasional pop-in remain. In summary, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut marks a significant leap for SEGA’s storied franchise on Nintendo Switch 2.

Its enhanced presentation, English dub, and expanded features help old and new audiences alike discover what makes the Like a Dragon saga a staple of narrative-driven action games.

As a launch title, it represents a new era for the series on Nintendo hardware, delivering a robust package for all players.

Whether diving into dense minigames or unraveling the gripping interconnected narratives, there’s never been a better time to experience the underworld of Kamurocho and Sotenbori.

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